Monday, August 8, 2011

"Seasons" - A book review and giveaway


**Updated to add - I just heard from a reader who was not able to leave a comment. If you have trouble leaving a comment, but want to be entered in to the giveaway, please email me or contact me via facebook and I can put a comment in with your name on it. :)**

I am extremely excited to share my review of this book! There are several reasons for this; first of all, the author is a personal friend of mine and I have observed her journey to getting published. This is no simple path to walk - and I am very, very proud of her!

Secondly, I have always been interested in reading about the Amish.  I have read several Christian fiction books about Amish families, and the Amish way of life. I was thrilled when I found out that Elizabeth was writing her Amish grandmother's memoirs!-First hand knowledge of this way of life; struggles and heartache, intertwined with solid family values and a simpler life.

So, without further ado - let me tell you my thoughts on the book.

I read this book in two sittings. :) Granted, one of the "sittings" was during a nice extended nap time, much longer than Kai's usual, and I did nothing besides devour the book in that time. It was an easy read, and quite engaging.

The setting of this book takes place during the great depression, and I could truly feel the hunger, the fear, and sacrifice of the Lee family as they struggled to provide for their growing family.

I enjoy books where you can enter into the plot and feel what the characters are feelings. Seasons lived up to that expectation. From the joy of a new pair of warm gloves, and an extra piece of buttered bread, to the devastation of accidents and tragedies, I was gripped by the emotion woven into this story. Knowing that everything I read was true, and even knowing some of the people directly related to the main characters, made it all the more fascinating to me.

I must admit my eyes sprung a leak a time or two while reading Seasons. :) I don't see that as a negative point though. Again, I take that as the author truly appealing to her readers; engaging them in emotions felt by the characters.

When I finished the book, I felt a renewed appreciation for all of the blessings in my life. Sometimes I need to step back from my own situation for a while, walk a mile in some one else's shoes, be an observer, and spend some time in contemplation to truly be struck with my own blessings.

The blessing of family.

The blessing of togetherness.

The blessing of more than enough food at the table for every single meal.

The blessing of love - in abundance.

As well as the choice of a good attitude despite our circumstances.

I adored the thread of a love story woven into Seasons. In some ways, it reminded me of my own and brought a big grin to my face.

And.... I have super good news. :) One of my readers, who leaves a comment on this post, will be randomly selected to win a copy of Seasons, signed by the author herself! I really think you all would enjoy this read!

For the rest of you, click here to purchase it on amazon. Besides the soft cover book, there is also a kindle edition available.

This is the trailer for the book. (Scroll down to the bottom of this page to pause my music)
 

19 comments:

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

thrilled to be doing a giveaway, Wendi! You have fantastic readers and a fantastic blog.

Elizabeth

Jill said...

I would LOVE to win a copy! I've been meaning to buy it, but haven't gotten around to it. :o)

Anne Elizabeth said...

I would love too win a copy too:)

Rachel said...

So excited about this. Looking forward to reading it!

Wendi@EveryDayMiracles said...

For Sarah Adolphs :)

Jennifer said...

Can't wait to read it! I love this genre of books

Amy Howell said...

Soooo excited to read it!! I read a sample on my Nook, can't wait to read the whole thing! Not only because it is so awesome that I know the author, but also because I love books about the Amish. Very interesting. :-) Congrats Elizabeth! Your hometown is proud of you!

Stacey said...

OOOhhh!! I love books where I really feel what they are feeling!! Crying, laughing, loving!!!

Rebecca said...

i would love to read that book...it sounds fantastic! i love reading about the amish. thanks for the chance to win!!

Sara B. said...

What fun! I love to read about the amish as it is such a different way of life. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Cindie B. said...

I would love to win! I really enjoy books about Amish life and would really like to read one from an actual relative rather than a work of fiction :)

Katarina said...

Sounds like a really good book. I might just have to find myself a copy of it!

Wendi@EveryDayMiracles said...

Arlona McCallum :)

Anonymous said...

April Hutchison- Sounds like a very interesting book! & Fun to try to win 1.

Trisha said...

I would love to read this book :)

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I would love to read this book! I enjoy reading historical accounts that draw you in and make you long to know more. Thanks for this opportunity.

Jen B.

The Abbott Family said...

Sounds like a great book!! I just might have to buy it for my kindle!!

Anonymous said...
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